Maschito

One of Maschito's characteristics is the use of the Albanian language which dominates in everyday speech, in sayings, proverbs and rhymes, a distinctive trait even for the little ones.

The memory of the wave of Albanian peoples that occurred in Maschito in the 15th century predominates in the traditions and in some key events of the country as happens on the occasion of the "Retnes", a historical re-enactment of the clashes between the main ethnic groups that founded Maschito: the Coronean Greeks and the Albanian.

Gjergj Kastriot Skënderbeu is a recurring name in the squares and monuments of Maschito, as one of the main fountains that can be admired in the town. A military fortress in Roman times, then destroyed by an earthquake, the village was founded in 1467 under Ferdinand of Aragon, who obtained the support of the Albanian national hero Gjergj Kastriot Skënderbeu who sent him troops to fight the Angevins and to whom the majestic monumental white stone fountain built in 1879.

Among the narrow and attractive alleys of Maschito you can discover the most evocative corners of the Arbëreshë town, in which historic buildings and fountains are a heritage of historical and artistic interest.

Maschito's religious artistic legacy

Maschito's churches have special architecture, related to the migratory waves of Albanians, and preserve important works of art.

The Caroseno Church, built by the Albanian Greeks of Korona, preserves a very valuable afresco of Saint Mary with the Child Jesus (1558), which came to light during the restoration works of the church in 1930.

The mother church of Sant'Elia, the patron saint of Maschito, was built in 1698 by the Albanians and contains two 16th century oil paintings, as well as the painting of "Saint Mary with seven cloths", worshiped by the population because it was considered miracle. The church is also decorated with decorations and paintings by Domenico Pennino and two large paintings attributed to Giovanni Battista Caracciolo of Naples (1570-1637).

Worth a visit is the church of Purgatory or "Madonna del Rosario" which preserves a painting of Mary of Constantinople derived from the chapel of the same name which was demolished. The date of construction of the church dedicated to the Most Holy Virgin of Pompeii is unknown, but according to some unconfirmed sources it may date back to the first years of the foundation of Maschito.

The flavors of Maschito

In Maschito you cannot remain indifferent to the scent and fragrance of the baked goods, from the excellent bread, to the taralli and biscuits prepared according to a traditional processing method handed down through generations.

Original and delicious are the typical dishes of Albanian culture such as the "tumaz ma druda", tagliatelle with breadcrumbs and walnuts, prepared especially on Palm Sunday, and then the "laganelle" with milk, sugar and cinnamon, typical of the day of the Ascension, and also the "rictell cu lu gallucc filling", orecchiette with rooster ragù stuffed with offal, breadcrumbs and sugar, prepared on the day of Santa Elia, the patronal feast.

The “Cauciungiëll cu la ricotta”, ravioli with ricotta, are also excellent. Not to be missed are the second courses, such as "senapiello", fried vegetables with mackerel, prepared on Christmas Eve, and "Khmigl", snails with tomato sauce and oregano. Delicious desserts such as jam and chestnut "cushions" and black pudding tart.

Also in Maschito the wine par excellence is Aglianico del Vulture Doc.